Pakistan says it killed more than 300 Afghan forces in dayslong airstrikes
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s military, with the support of artillery and air power, launched strikes on multiple Afghan military installations deep inside Afghanistan overnight and into early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of over 300 Afghan forces in ongoing border clashes, as confirmed by a government spokesman and officials.
Since Thursday night, both sides have engaged in attacks on each other’s military positions, with Afghanistan retaliating to Pakistani strikes that targeted seven training camps and hideouts of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, a group closely linked to Afghanistan’s Taliban.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, reported that more than 331 Afghan Taliban forces have been killed and over 500 wounded in the recent military operations in Afghanistan. Pakistan also claimed to have destroyed 102 Afghan posts, captured 22 others, and eliminated 163 tanks and armored vehicles at 37 locations.
On Saturday, Pakistan’s state media disclosed that the country’s air force conducted strikes on significant military installations across eastern Afghanistan.
Authorities in Pakistan stated that numerous residents near the Torkham border crossing have evacuated to safer areas. Additionally, Pakistan facilitated the relocation of several Afghan refugees waiting at the Torkham crossing to more secure locations.
There has been no immediate response from the Afghan government regarding Pakistan’s assertions. However, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claimed to have attacked Pakistani military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam, resulting in the destruction of military installations and significant casualties in response to Pakistan’s ongoing airstrikes.
In eastern Afghanistan, the Department of Information and Culture accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, causing destruction of homes, and claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals. Pakistan, on the other hand, maintained that its operations solely target military installations to prevent civilian casualties.
Mullah Taj Mohammad Naqshbandi, an Afghan commissioner at the Torkham border, announced that the “brave forces of the Islamic Emirate” had destroyed Pakistani military structures and security towers.
The Afghan government reported that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in their strikes, refuting Pakistan’s claims of higher casualties on the Afghan side.
Amid escalating tensions, both countries have exchanged threats and accusations, with Pakistan declaring an “open war” against Afghanistan, citing alleged support for militant groups.
Efforts to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing, with several countries offering mediation, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China. Qatar’s minister of state engaged with the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan in an attempt to reduce tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing military operations along the border. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region.
